Full script at: www.tcmpodcast.me

Short script: Advances in nutrition, healthcare, and awareness of healthy living have led to increased life expectancy and lower mortality rates. 

Currently, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea hold the highest life expectancies worldwide, significantly influenced by Chinese cultural practices, particularly in the realm of traditional medicine, which plays a crucial role in the region’s health and longevity. Cultural habits and dietary choices are deeply rooted in these societies.

Studies have suggested that a diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates can promote longevity. Research from the Salk Institute found that eating within a shorter timeframe daily can result in health benefits, making a lower-carb, higher-protein diet potentially less advantageous compared to a balanced, moderate carbohydrate diet akin to the Okinawan style.

Centenarian studies in regions with high numbers of those living past 100, like Okinawa and parts of Italy, emphasize plant-based diets low in protein and sugars, focusing instead on complex carbohydrates from beans and other plants. Many centenarians consume fewer meals daily, often finishing their evening meals before nightfall.

Comparative analyses show that older Okinawans typically consume less meat and more vegetables than their American counterparts, contributing to lower instances of cancer and heart disease among them.